The Spurs' Tim Duncan (21) and the Mavericks' Dirk Nowitzki (41) have been in-state, in-division, same-position rivals for 16 seasons now, and their first-round playoff meeting will be a familiar one. USA TODAY Sports' Adi Joseph picks 10 other one-on-one matchups you should keep an eye out for in the next two weeks. Jerome Miron, USA TODAY Sports

10. Pacers' David West vs. Hawks' Paul Millsap: These two fearsome rebounders and defenders are the emotional leaders of their teams. Millsap is the All-Star, but West never gets enough credit. Pat Lovell, USA TODAY Sports

9. Bulls' Jimmy Butler vs. Wizards' Bradley Beal: Both under 25, Butler and Beal took very different routes to being among the best young shooting guards in the NBA. Beal has the scoring ability and long-term potential, while Butler has carved out his niche with defense and efficient shooting. Geoff Burke, USA TODAY Sports

8. Raptors' Kyle Lowry vs. Nets' Deron Williams: These two point guards are the best players on their teams, and they embody how their teams play. Williams is a steady but occasionally dominating veteran, while Lowry runs opponents into the ground. Adam Hunger, USA TODAY Sports

7. Clippers' Blake Griffin vs. Warriors' Draymond Green: Griffin may be the most easily irritated star in the NBA, and no one seems to get to him quite like Green. "The Dancing Bear" is smaller but has so much strength that he can frustrate even the best. Jayne Kamin-Oncea, USA TODAY Sports

6. Rockets' Dwight Howard vs. Blazers' Robin Lopez: Portland needs a huge effort from Lopez, probably their best defender and a capable rebounder. But Howard is so strong it may not matter. Craig Mitchelldyer, USA TODAY Sports

5. Bulls' Joakim Noah vs. Wizards' Marcin Gortat: No first-round matchup is going to have more great quotes, and Gortat may be aggressive and strong enough to edge out Noah, who has put up a borderline MVP season. Geoff Burke, USA TODAY Sports

4. Thunder's Russell Westbrook vs. Grizzlies' Mike Conley: Though Westbrook has an obvious edge in natural ability, Conley may be the best defensive point guard in the league. He could frustrate Westbrook, bu he may be overwhelmed first. Mark D. Smith, USA TODAY Sports

2. Thunder's Serge Ibaka vs. Grizzlies' Marc Gasol: These two amazing defensive big men will dominate the paint in this series. Ibaka is the shot-blocker, but Gasol is 7-2 and more polished. Justin Ford, USA TODAY Sports

1. Clippers' Chris Paul vs. Warriors' Stephen Curry: They might be the two best point guards in the NBA, but they have totally different styles. Curry won't be able to stop Paul's drives, and Paul won't be able to defend Curry's shooting. Jayne Kamin-Oncea, USA TODAY Sports

During the 2013 NBA playoffs, Spurs guard Danny Green introduced himself to the world. Who might do the same this year? USA TODAY Sports' Adi Joseph takes a crack at picking breakout stars for every playoff team. Brendan Maloney, USA TODAY Sports

Pacers shooting guard Lance Stephenson blossomed during last season's playoffs. But now he is fighting for a paycheck, as he becomes a free agent after the season, so expect an even bigger showing this spring. David Richard, USA TODAY Sports

Heat shooting guard Dwyane Wade already has a full Hall of Fame résumé, with three rings and a scoring title to his credit. But he could reassert himself as a present-day star after getting a lot of rest during the regular season. Russell Isabella, USA TODAY Sports

Raptors power forward Amir Johnson long has been an unheralded role player but could make his name in the playoffs because of his leadership role on Toronto's top-10 defense. Tom Szczerbowski, USA TODAY Sports

Bulls power forward Taj Gibson deserves a look for sixth man of the year but probably won't get his due credit because his stats aren't gaudy enough. Still, he's one of the best defensive big men in the NBA and should play more late-game minutes than Carlos Boozer. Marilyn Indahl, USA TODAY Sports

Nets center Mason Plumlee may be the most efficient player in this rookie class, but he spent much of his season laboring on the bench. In the month leading up to the playoffs, he averaged 10.4 points a game, shot 72.7% from the field and established himself as a viable option if Kevin Garnett can't go. Kim Klement, USA TODAY Sports

Wizards power forward Trevor Booker has been told to be more assertive all season, and he finally is taking that in stride. His role decreased with the return of Nene, but he is the hardest worker on the team and plays with reckless abandon. Brad Mills, USA TODAY Sports

Bobcats guard Gary Neal is the most playoff-tested player on the team, having been a big part of last year's Finals run for the Spurs. He has found his stroke since joining Charlotte in February and should take on a leadership role for the first time in his career. Joshua S. Kelly, USA TODAY Sports

Hawks power forward Mike Scott spent five seasons at the University of Virginia, so late-bloomer fits him. But he has emerged in his second NBA season as an efficient post scorer for a team that needs the help inside. Dennis Wierzbicki, USA TODAY Sports

Spurs point guard Patty Mills mostly has stayed in Tony Parker's shadow, but in the second half he may have outplayed his often-aching counterpart. Mills' explosive scoring ability can ignite the Spurs' second unit, the best in the NBA. Craig Mitchelldyer, USA TODAY Sports

Thunder point guard Russell Westbrook needs to put the critics to rest. He already is in the conversation for the best point guard in the NBA when healthy, but naysayers suggest he holds Kevin Durant back. A championship-level performance could end that talk once and for all. Mark D. Smith, USA TODAY Sports

Clippers shooting guard J.J. Redick still is Duke star J.J. Redick to many basketball fans, but his shooting could push the Clippers to the championship this spring. The better he plays, the better the team performs, and he is rounding back into form after missing most of the second half. Jayne Kamin-Oncea, USA TODAY Sports

Rockets power forward Terrence Jones has become the ideal companion to Dwight Howard down low, a perfect fit because he can rebound and play in the paint but also has the versatility to give Howard space. But he only is beginning to tap his vast potential now. Joe Camporeale, USA TODAY Sports

Trail Blazers power forward Thomas Robinson has played for three teams in two seasons since being drafted fifth overall in 2012, but he finally is developing a role behind (and filling in for) LaMarcus Aldridge. Cary Edmondson, USA TODAY Sports

Warriors forward Draymond Green is one of the most colorful and excitable players in the NBA, but with Andrew Bogut's injury, he will be counted on even more to produce. His rebounding and playmaking at either forward spot make him a unique force. Soobum Im, USA TODAY Sports

Mavericks power forward Brandan Wright has taken efficiency to a new level in making 67.2% of his shots and rarely touching the ball in other instances. His springy athleticism has returned after a glut of injuries, and he is a key piece next to and in backing up Dirk Nowitzki. Jerome Miron, USA TODAY Sports

Grizzlies small forward Mike Miller won two titles with the Heat while struggling with all sorts of injuries. He's been the most healthy player on the Grizzlies this season, though, and is shooting as well as ever. This would be a chance to put a stamp on his career. Justin Ford, USA TODAY Sports